Dubuque outscores cold-shooting Central women’s squad

Central College

PELLA—The Central College women’s basketball team whittled a 14-point second-half deficit to five but couldn’t generate the offensive spark needed in a 68-52 setback against the University of Dubuque Wednesday.

Guard Rachel Evans (senior, Fort Dodge), part of a seemingly endless list of Dutch players sidelined by injury much of the year, made an eagerly awaited return and produced 11 points with five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals.

“When Rachel Evans went out with an injury we lost our most consistent player, our leading scorer and our best defensive player all wrapped into one person,” said coach Chelsea Petersen. “When you lose a player like Rachel a lot of things drop off. I felt like having her back meant a lot to the team tonight. That’s the most energy and purpose we have played with since she went out with an injury.”

Evans’ two steals gave her 199 for her career, breaking the Central record of 198 set by Molly Parrott in 2002.

“I am extremely proud of what she has been able to accomplish this season,” said Petersen. “It’s a testament to her work ethic and her energy on the court. She is the best defensive player I’ve had the opportunity to coach.”

Unfortunately Central (9-11 overall, 0-9 Iowa Conference) was misfiring most of the night offensively, shooting just 32.7 percent from the floor. The Dutch hit an icy 25.9 percent in the first half, yet rallied to take a 24-23 halftime lead on the strength of aggressive defense and 8-of-9 free throw shooting. Central’s defense was able to hold first-place Dubuque (14-6, 8-1) to just 28.6 percent shooting in the first half.

“The first half defensively was outstanding,” said Petersen. “We really limited Dubuque in a lot of areas. Offensively we missed quite a few opportunities where we got a look at the rim and didn’t convert.”

The Spartans nearly doubled their shooting percentage in the second half, shooting 50 percent from the floor.

“In the second half we didn’t defend well enough,” said Petersen. “A lot of that is because we weren’t hitting shots offensively, so we weren’t getting set up defensively in transition.”

Dubuque also got to the line 18 times in the second half after only earning four free throws in the opening 20 minutes. The Spartans made all 22 of their free throw attempts in the game.

“The difference in the game comes down to free throws,” said Petersen. “It’s not too often teams go 100 percent from the free throw line.”

The Dutch also performed well at the line Wednesday, making 11 of their 13 attempts. They shot 84.6 percent at the line, which was nearly 25 percent higher than their season average of 60.6 percent.

“We were much better from the free throw line and we did a better job rebounding,” said Petersen. “There were a lot of positives to take out of this game.”

Evans was the only Dutch player in double figures, but guard Kenzie Vander Molen (senior, Pella) finished with nine points, five boards and three assists and guard Emily Dine (freshman, Tampa, Fla., East Lake HS) scored eight points.

“Emily Dine was outstanding,” said Petersen. “She was a much needed spark off the bench. She ran the point guard position extremely well and within our offense she made some really good reads.”

Petersen singled out the play of forward Jackie Kriegel (freshman, Marengo, Iowa Valley HS) as well. Kriegel had six points, three boards and two steals in 14 minutes.

“Jackie Kriegel in the post was exceptional,” said Petersen. “She did a great job inside and has grown a lot over the course of the season.”

Next up for the Dutch is a home game against Simpson (14-6, 4-5) Saturday at 2 p.m. The Storm defeated the Dutch 70-46 in Indianola Jan. 28. The game will be broadcasted by KRLS-FM (92.1). The broadcast can also be accessed through www.kniakrls.com and a live video feed will be available on the Central athletics website.